Ryan Bell

Double bassist Ryan Bell began his musical journey as a Suzuki violinist, and eventually played the role of second violin in the family string quartet, the Bell Tones. In junior high school, Ryan picked up the double bass to join the school jazz band and discovered his true passion.  

As high schooler in Bountiful, Utah, he was picked to be the bassist in Utah's All-State Jazz Band in 2007.  He attended Snow College and pursued a degree in Jazz Studies with Scott Wilson. In 2009, Ryan recorded an album with the Snow College Jazz Orchestra called "A Place in the World."  

Ryan took a hiatus from school to play for Holland America Cruise Line in a jazz trio called the NEPTUNES, and travelled the Pacific Ocean. He returned to college and graduated from Snow College & Weber State University. During his time in school, he won opportunities to perform concertos with the orchestra for "Concerto Nights" in 2010, 2017 & 2019.

Professionally, Ryan has performed for Ogden Chamber Orchestra, Boise Philharmonic Orchestra, Helena Symphony, Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Utah Symphony and Ballet West. His principal teachers are Corbin Johnston, Ben Henderson, David Yaverinsky, Tom Zera, Paul Ellingson, Denson Angulo, Aaron Miller and Lars Yorganson.

Ryan is currently pursuing a master’s degree with Paul Sharpe as a UNCSA/Winston-Salem Symphony Fellow. When he is not practicing, he enjoys teaching young bassists, listening to music, cooking and being outside in nature.